Storm Nesat weakens into tropical depression off central Vietnam

The National Center for Hydrometeorological Forecasting said the storm weakened fast after meeting a strong cold spell.

It is forecast to weaken into a depression zone by 1 p.m. Thursday, carrying winds of 40 kph, and bringing thunderstorms to the waters from Quang Tri to Quang Ngai Provinces, including tourist island Ly Son. Waves of up to 4.5 meters could be seen at sea.

Both Vietnamese and international weather centers said the storm will not cause major impacts on Vietnam’s coastal areas.

The northern region including Hanoi and central provinces will receive rainfall of up to 60 mm from Wednesday afternoon to Thursday, the Vietnamese center forecast.

Nesat is the sixth storm formed in Vietnamese waters this year. It reached the strongest winds of 149 kph offshore on Tuesday and has weakened since.

Vietnam is forecast to be threatened by three more storms until January 2023.